Dental Chews for Dogs: Ultimate Guide

Dental chews can play a helpful role in supporting a dog’s oral health when used daily and consistently as part of a preventative routine. This guide explains how dental chews work, what separates effective chews from flavored treats, and how they fit alongside brushing and professional cleanings.

You’ll learn the three key mechanisms veterinarians look for in a dental chew: (1) mechanical scrubbing, (2) plaque and tartar control support, and (3) breath support targeting volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). It also covers common limitations of traditional chews, realistic expectations, and how to choose an age-appropriate, well-designed dental chew for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

Dental chews are not a cure for dental disease, but when chosen carefully and used daily, they can be a practical tool for maintaining oral health between veterinary visits.

What are dental chews for dogs (and do they actually work)?

Dental chews for dogs support canine oral health through one of their favorite activities: chewing! When used daily and consistently, dog dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup, support fresher breath, and slow tartar formation in areas of the mouth that are harder to clean through brushing. 

Dental chews work best as a preventative tool alongside brushing and should not be interpreted as a cure for existing dental disease. They don’t replace brushing or professional cleaning, but they can play a meaningful role in daily dental care when brushing isn’t realistic.

Not all dental chews are equally effective. Many rely mainly on flavor to freshen breath, while others are designed to support oral health through specific mechanisms that go beyond smell alone. Ideally, a dental chew should help reduce plaque, tartar buildup, and dog bad breath. They work best when they combine three things: mechanical cleaning, functional ingredients and address Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs)

How dental chews help dog teeth (the “3 mechanisms” that matter)

When you’re comparing best chews for dogs' teeth, look for these three mechanisms:

1. Mechanical action (scrubbing power). The chew’s texture and shape help remove plaque from tooth surfaces, especially the back molars where buildup loves to hide.

2. Plaque/tartar control support. Some chews include ingredients designed to slow plaque from mineralizing into tartar (calculus). That matters because tartar is harder to remove at home.

3. Breath support (VSC control). Bad breath isn’t just “smell.” It’s often driven by VSCs (volatile sulfur compounds) and the mouth bacteria that produce them. If a chew targets this, you’re addressing the source, not just covering it.

A chew that only “smells minty” may freshen your dog’s foul breath temporarily, but the real goal here is to help your dog’s oral health long-term. If your dog has very foul breath, visible tartar, red gums, pain, difficulty chewing, or behavior changes, talk to your vet first. Chews help, but severe dental disease needs professional attention.

Dog dental treats vs dental sticks vs dental chews: are they the same?

Ah yes, a rose by any other name. You’ve seen these terms time and time again in your search: dog teeth treats, dog teeth cleaning treats, dental sticks for dogs, canine dental chews, even just dog chew. No matter what they’re called, this checklist will narrow down what to look for when purchasing dental chews, sticks or treats:

☐ Does it have a shape/texture designed for chewing time?

☐ Does it target plaque, tartar and VSCs or just freshen breath?

☐ Does it have any evidence behind the active ingredients?

Why Traditional Dog Dental Chews Fall Short

• Natural herbs & oils can smell nice, but usually just mask odor rather than addressing the real drivers of bad breath in dogs. 
• Mechanical-only chews help scrape teeth but may not address the oral microbes or the odor-causing compounds (VSCs) behind bad breath. 
• Chemical actives may reduce bacteria broadly (aka killing the good stuff), which may not always be ideal for daily, long-term use.

Brushing is the gold standard for dog dental care. But as you know, brushing daily is tough. Many dogs hate it, pet parents get overwhelmed, and professional cleanings can be expensive and often require anesthesia (especially challenging for senior dogs or dogs with health conditions).

That’s why a daily dental chew routine is such a popular “real-life” solution.

Can dental chews replace brushing?

No, brushing is the gold standard of dog teeth cleaning and chews won’t replace this effectiveness, but daily use of a high-quality dental chew can: 

• Slow plaque and tartar buildup between cleanings
• Support a healthier oral microbiome
• Help manage bad breath more consistently
• Dental chews can’t diagnose, treat, or cure diseases but they can be a powerful prevention tool.

Professional dog dental cleaning under anesthesia may be necessary for dogs with advanced tartar or periodontal disease. Always work with your vet to determine what your dog needs.

Do dental chews really clean my dog’s teeth?

Veterinarians widely agree (including guidance reflected by the National Institutes of Health) that dental chews can help reduce plaque buildup and support fresher breath, especially when used consistently. Their biggest benefit comes from mechanical chewing action, which helps disrupt plaque on tooth surfaces, particularly the back molars where buildup is common.

That said, dental chews don’t clean below the gumline the way brushing or professional cleanings can. Think of them as a preventative support tool, not a cure for existing dental disease. Used daily, they can meaningfully slow plaque accumulation and help maintain oral health between vet visits.

How often should dogs use dental chews (in general)

Most veterinarians recommend daily use of dental chews when they’re part of a dog’s oral care routine.

Plaque can begin forming on teeth within 24 hours, which is why daily, consistent use matters more than occasional use. That’s why a daily dental chew can be a great option for consistency, especially if the chew is well designed and includes effective ingredients like a postbiotic for canine oral health.

Always follow feeding guidelines for the specific product, choose the correct size for your dog, and don’t exceed the serving size recommended on the packaging. 

At what age can I start giving dental chews to my dog?

Most dogs can start using dental chews once they’re old enough to chew safely, which is typically around 6 months of age, after adult teeth have begun to come in.

For puppies:

☐ Choose chews designed for their size and chewing ability

☐ Always supervise chewing

☐  Avoid chews that are too hard or too large

Many veterinarians encourage introducing dental habits early, as long as the product is age-appropriate and the puppy is ready for it. If you’re unsure, your veterinarian can help you decide when your puppy is ready to start.

For adult dogs:

Adult dogs benefit most from consistent, preventative dental care. As plaque and bad breath begin to show up more regularly, daily dental chews can help slow plaque and tartar buildup, support fresher breath, and maintain oral health between veterinary cleanings. Choose a chew appropriate for your dog’s size and pair daily use with regular veterinary dental checkups.

For senior dogs:

Due to age, senior dogs are at the highest risk for dental disease and the Veterinary Oral Health Council recommends professional cleanings as part of their health care plan. Dental chews can help support oral health and manage bad breath as part of a daily routine, but they should be used alongside regular veterinary monitoring.

Dogs with pain, loose teeth, or advanced dental disease should always be evaluated by a veterinarian before using at-home dental products.

Do all dogs need dental chews?

Most dogs benefit from some form of daily oral care, and since dental chews can be given daily, they are one of the most commonly recommended options when brushing isn’t realistic.

Dental chews can be especially helpful for:

• Dogs prone to bad breath
• Dogs that resist tooth brushing
• Pet parents looking for a simple, consistent preventative routine

Dogs with advanced dental disease, visible tartar, bleeding gums, mouth pain, or difficulty chewing should always be evaluated by a veterinarian before relying on at-home dental products. In those cases, professional dental care may be needed first.

Final Takeaway: What are the best dental chews for dogs?

The best dental chews for dogs do more than freshen breath. Look for chews that:

✔ Provide chew-time scrubbing to help mechanically remove plaque

✔ Help disrupt plaque and tartar formation over time

✔ Address volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the compounds behind bad dog breath

✔ Support a healthy oral microbiome

✔ Are backed by credible research and veterinary guidance

When chosen carefully and used daily, high-quality dental chews can be a practical, preventative tool for supporting your dog’s oral health between veterinary visits.lars where buildup loves to hide.

*All information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the expert advice of a veterinarian or veterinary practitioner.